Georgia Bettoja Tapestries in Rome

The best discovery I made on a recent trip to Rome? Tapestries by self-taught artist Georgia Bettoja, spotted in a friend's apartment. Bettoja makes her wall hangings from reclaimed textiles (linen towels from the Italian army, raw Indian silk, Russian cotton). "I'm inspired by Islamic textile designs," Bettoja says. "At the moment, I'm working on Soviet-inspired pieces, reproducing graphics and soviet fabric designs from the 1920s and 30s." For more information, contact Georgia Bettoja directly via email. Above: "The idea of using appliqué comes from the Uzbek Suzani, which feature powerful embroidered designs on big hanging pieces," Bertoja says. "Instead of embroidery, I use fabric." Above: Bertoja's designs feature traditional motifs but are somehow modern. Above: A detail of the intricate stitching. Above: A modern graphic piece with a circular motif.